The 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show was bigger and better than ever. The organizers went overboard and added an extra show day and more yachts and superyachts than ever before. Perhaps, it was the “Trump Factor” that lead it to being bigger and better this year. After all, so many billionaires recently moved to Palm Beach to be close to the President and his Mar A Lago home base and might need a new superyacht parked outside their own waterfront mansions.
The overall show vibe this year exuded class, attracting high-quality attendees rather than sheer volume. Mother Nature cooperated with pleasant weather, and a crisp breeze on the first day made visitors from colder climates feel right at home.
A Showcase of Innovation & Luxury
The show featured an impressive array of world premieres and U.S. debuts, plus, plenty of cocktail soirees aboard vessels and on land. And for those who wanted to learn, there were insightful marine industry seminars sharing new trends. A notable first for the show was a Question & Answer session with officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard, providing guidance on charter operations and foreign crew employment aboard U.S. and foreign-flagged vessels.
With over 600 exhibitors and record-breaking international participation, the Palm Beach International Boat Show reinforced its status as a premier marketplace for the global marine industry. More than 1,000 boats were on display, including 200+ superyachts and 40+ vessels exceeding 150 feet. Ranging from a 31-foot runabout to a massive 279-foot Australian gigayacht, the showcase was more impressive than ever. The latest expansion, the new Superyacht Show at Palm Harbor provided the ultimate luxury experience, solidifying the show as a launching pad for new boats in the American market.
Beyond its impact on the marine industry, the show remains a major economic driver for Palm Beach County, generating an estimated $1.05 billion in revenue, according to the show producer, Informa. The show’s ‘Gives Back’ program continues to foster marine education and environmental stewardship, awarding over $1 million in grants over the past two years. The Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Show also overlapped with the boat show, further enhancing international attendance.
Highlights from Palm Beach International Boat Show
Here’s a bit of what went down and what was showcased along the intracoastal waterway in Palm Beach during the Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Azimut: Three Premiers
Azimut showcased the world premiere of the Seadeck 6 Sundeck Version, along with the two U.S. debuts of the Seadeck 7 and Fly 62. The Seadeck Series represents the pinnacle of sustainable innovation, integrating cutting-edge solutions. Seadeck 6 has already gained traction in the Americas, with the first three units delivered to owners.
Benetti: Steel Legacy Continues with Project LIFE
Luxury Italian shipyard, Benetti used the show to provide updates on ‘Project LIFE,’ an 85-meter/279-feet steel gigayacht designed by renowned yacht designers, Espen Oino International and Zuretti Design along with input from Burgess. The concept behind Project LIFE is about embracing life on the water. According to Espen Oino, “It’s a boat that has been designed for life – an active life, a cool life, a relaxed life.”
Saxdor Yachts: Finnish Boatbuilder
Saxdor, Finnish boatbuilder founded by acclaimed designer, Sakari Mattila is one of the fastest growing boat brands in the world, surpassing 100 million euros in revenue in only five years since the brand’s launch in 2019. The U.S. premiere of their latest model, the Saxdor 340 GTWA was debuted as their first walkaround model in their fleet.
Sunreef Yachts: The Next Generation
Sunreef Yachts are taking luxury yachting to the next level, reimagining its range to push the boundaries of design and functionality, with their Sunreef 80 sail catamaran. Sunreef 80 boasts foldout platforms creating a private beach and a garage for jet skis and other water toys. Debuting at the show was Sunreef 60 Power Eco, “Double Happiness”, designed for superior energy efficiency.
J Craft: Swedish Craftsmanship
Not to be missed was J Craft’s beautiful, handcrafted torpedo model classic boats with wooden topsides and leather interiors on display in Palm Beach: Natalia and Aquila III. J Craft announced their new partnership with Hinckley Yacht Services, offering a convenient concierge approach to service. They also partnered with Dunhill offering a limited-edition matching leather cocktail case complete with a silver-plated cocktail shaker, crystal martini glasses and sterling silver flasks. Cheers!
Heesen: Triple Dutch Treat
Dutch superyacht builder, Heesen presented three exceptional yachts: Santosha (57m/187ft, Book Ends (50m/164ft) and ELA (50/164ft). Santosha just delivered in Q4 2024, made her boat show debut in Palm Beach. The U.S. is now Heesen’s biggest market.
Tankoa: Debuting Go & Diamond Binta Too
Making its world debut in Palm Beach was “Go,” the first hull in Italian shipyard, Tankoa’s new T450 Series, and first model below 164 feet. “Go” coming in at 148 feet is a sleek beauty. Alongside “Go” was 190-foot, Diamond Bintu, a bigger version for the owner who previously enjoyed 160-foot Binta d’Or.
Project Zero: A Fossil-Free Future
Dutchshipyard Vitters, in collaboration with design firm Vripack, is pioneering sustainability with “Project Zero” (69m/226ft), the world’s first fossil-free luxury yacht. It aims to set a new standard in the marine industry while maintaining every element expected of a superyacht. Scheduled for delivery in late summer 2025, this groundbreaking project commissioned by Foundation Zero, will have every innovation open sourced, allowing others in the industry to benefit from its innovations. Vripack’s co-creative director, Marnix Hoekstra was on hand in Palm Beach to share this extraordinary news about sailing vessel, “Project Zero.”
Burgess: Happy 50th Anniversary
Burgess continued its 50th Anniversary celebrations at the show, with Burgess CEO Jonathan Beckett welcoming visitors aboard “FOX,” a 114-foot explorer yacht making its U.S. debut. Founded in 1975 by former solo racing sailer, Nigel Burgess, the brokerage has grown into a world-renowned leader in the yachting world.
The Bahamas: It’s Better in the Bahamas
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism made a strong presence with two displays and a visit from Parliamentary Secretary John Pinder. The Bahamas remains a premier boating destination gaining greater popularity amongst the well-heeled, now attracting top hospitality brands like Bulgari and Montage, which are set to expand their presence into this region.
Port Nimara: Anguilla’s New Maritime Destination
The global launch of Port Nimara Anguilla, a transformative maritime development reshaping Anguilla’s luxury tourism landscape took place during the show. Hosted at the YATCO SkyLounge Terrace, Nimara executives introduced guests to this ambitious marina project.
YATCO, the premier online global Marketplace for buying and selling yachts, chartering yachts and boat builders, shipyards and manufacturers, graciously host yacht industry attendees during top boat shows with never-ending hospitality. The Palm Beach Show was no exception with YATCO’s Skylounge overlooking Palm Beach and the intracoastal waterways.
Farewell: Until Next Year
As the docks cleared and the yachts set sail, the Palm Beach International Boat Show bid farewell until its return on March 18 to 22, 2026. Expect yet another spectacular showcase with docks overflowing with bobbing beauties and trendsetting innovations.